Bachmann to Endorse Romney Despite Previous Jabs

Michelle Bachmann earlier this month in n Lino Lakes, Minn. where she was hosting an energy news conference.

Rep. Michele Bachmann will endorse Mitt Romney at a campaign stop Thursday afternoon in Virginia, making her the latest anti-establishment holdout to fall in line behind the Republican nominee.

Mrs. Bachmann, a tea party favorite who at one point last summer led national polls for the GOP nomination, ended her own campaign in January after she placed sixth in the Iowa caucuses. In recent weeks, she has repeatedly hinted an endorsement was forthcoming, and recently quoted The Wizard of Oz to note, “All in good time, my pretty.”

The congresswoman wooed supporters last year with her willingness to go on the attack and stake out a clear space on the right. Those same attributes often limited her wider appeal.

But it’s still notable how long Mrs. Bachmann, and other failed GOP candidates, has waited to rally behind the presumptive nominee. As The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday morning, they don’t have as much to offer Mr. Romney, or gain from him, by jumping on the bandwagon this late.

Mrs. Bachmann is also getting attention this morning for her previous jabs at Mr. Romney, which appear to be particularly pointed even for a former rival. Just before the Iowa caucuses, ABC News asked Mrs. Bachmann if Romney can could beat President Barack Obama in a general election.

This was her full response: ”No, he cannot beat Obama because his policy is the basis for Obamacare,” Mrs. Bachmann said. “The signature issue of Obama is Obamacare. You can’t have a candidate who has given the blueprint for Obamacare. It’s too identical. It’s not going to happen. We have to have a candidate, a bold distinct candidate in the likeness of Ronald Reagan.”

About Washington Wire

Washington Wire is one of the oldest standing features in American journalism. Since the Wire launched on Sept. 20, 1940, the Journal has offered readers an informal look at the capital. Now online, the Wire provides a succession of glimpses at what’s happening behind hot stories and warnings of what to watch for in the days ahead. The Wire is led by Reid J. Epstein, with contributions from the rest of the bureau. Washington Wire now also includes Think Tank, our home for outside analysis from policy and political thinkers.